Boxing isn't only about fitness. Underdogs Boxing Club runs a program so women and self-identified women who have been abused can regain their self-esteem and power over their lives.Underdogs Boxing Club runs non-contact boxing classes mainly

How Acceptance and Commitment Therapy helps in controlling anxiety and panic attacks

Apr 19th, 2018

Therapist Steve Abma talks about how Acceptance and Commitment Therapy, known as ACT, helps people who are suffering from anxiety and panic attacks. Steve explains the difference between ACT and Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT).

Meditation and a holistic approach to caring for your mental health

Apr 4th, 2018

Catie Cordes searched for a holistic approach to add to her treatment for anxiety. She started with a combination of essential oils and meditation using the Calm app on her phone. She also consulted with her doctor and found help from CBD, a n

Frozen with fear. Anxiety and panic attacks can take the joy out of life.

Mar 14th, 2018

Anxiety and panic attacks often control your life. They determine what you do, how you work, people you see and what you do for fun.Jennifer Fisk, President of the Board of the Canada Mental Health Association, Niagara became a mental health

Life On the Street: The Story of Freddy Boyd

Mar 7th, 2018

How can we understand why someone chooses to live on the street? This is the story of Freddy Boyd a homeless man who lived with schizophrenia. Freddy died in January with his family at his side. The news of his death resulted in an outpouring

A mother and daughter battle mental illness together.

Feb 27th, 2018

It's very hard for a parent to see their child battle with mental health issues. In this episode Natalie Haig and her daughter, who is in high school, openly share how the bond between mother and daughter has made both of them stronger.

Depression and low self-esteem go hand in hand.

Feb 14th, 2018

Jennifer McCready has lived with depression for most of her life. It shattered her self-esteem. She found a way to help herself and many other women by opening a unique photo business - Lady Luck Pin Ups. She's helped many women build their sel

Let's fight the stigma of mental illness at universities and colleges and provide excellent services so students thrive.

Feb 7th, 2018

University and college students can be under a lot of stress leading to mental health issues, and tragically an unknown number of students are dying by suicide. Brock University has an extensive program and website to help students. Sarah Penni

Ann Dowsett Johnston - Depression, Alcoholism and Women

Jan 19th, 2018

Ann Dowsett Johnston is a 5 time National Magazine Award Winner who battled depression and alcohol for years while hiding it behind a successful but stressful career. She has a bestselling book Drink: The Intimate Relationship Between Women and

Ontario MPP Lisa MacLeod: Going public when you're in the public eye.

Dec 12th, 2017

Ontario MPP Lisa MacLeod didn't know what to expect when she opened up to her constituents about her deep depression. After all, her job depends on their support. What she got was wholehearted support from them and her colleagues Queen's Park

Steve Abma - ACT - Acceptance and Commitment Therapy

Dec 5th, 2017

Therapy is an integral part of dealing with mental illness and mental health. There are various types of cognitive therapies. Psychologist Steve Abma specializes in Acceptance and Commitment Therapy, which can be particularly effective for anx

Brianna Schwenker - Eating Disorders. What You See Is Not Who You Are

Nov 9th, 2017

For most of her life Brianna Schwenker has looked in the mirror and not seen who she really is. Brianna talks candidly about body dysmorphia and her anorexia in her teen years and after her daughter was born and the tools she uses today help h

Darcy Patrick Author of Why I Run

Nov 1st, 2017

Darcy Patrick's book, Why I Run, chronicles his lifelong battle with depression and his journey of recovery. He worked with a therapist using Cognitive Behavioural Therapy, mindfulness, meditation and a healthy lifestyle.

Physical and Sexual Assault PTSD Lasts a Lifetime

Oct 25th, 2017

27 years ago Sandie Bellows was abducted in broad daylight on a main street in St. Catharines. She was driven hours away and repeatedly raped and beaten. Sandie shares her story, her victory over fear of her abductor and her lifelong struggle w

It's Time for Ontario To Step Up and Treat Mental Health Seriously

Oct 17th, 2017

Funding for mental health services in Ontario is spread across 11 ministries which leads to confusion and a bad allocation of money. Niagara Falls Councillor Wayne Campbell and his wife Helga are working to change that. Niagara Falls City Counc

The Different Faces of Grief

Oct 3rd, 2017

People grieve for many different reasons and in different ways. Sometimes it's deep sadness at the loss of a friend or devastation from a tragedy. In this episode Janice talks with Laura Ip about both their experiences of losing someone suddenl

Indigenous Mental Health and Wellness

Sep 25th, 2017

Indigenous people often face different problems with mental health and well being which can require unique solutions. I talk to Karl Dockstader, host of One Dish, One Mic on the Niagara Podcasters Network. Our apologies for the sound issues.

The Conversation Plate Gets People Talking About Mental Illness

Sep 6th, 2017

Brian Hansell talks about how his son, Paul, lost his life to suicide and how he wants to make mental health a part of our every day conversations. He started the Paul Hansell Foundation and looked for ways to get people talking about mental i

Struggling To Understand

Aug 28th, 2017

Stuart Dorricott, past President of the Board of the Canadian Mental Health Association Niagara talks about his daughter who began struggling with her mental health in grade six. Stuart talks about how he knew nothing about mental illness when

Suicide and the Devastating Impact on Family

Aug 15th, 2017

When a loved one takes her or his own life it is devastating for family and friends. Those closest can blame themselves for not realizing the depth of the person's despair. In this episode Janice talks to Laura Ip who candidly shares the stor

Don't Just Walk On By.

Aug 1st, 2017

Mental illness and drug addiction are the leading cause of homelessness. Betty-Lou Souter from Community Care of St. Catharines & Thorold talks about how we have to address this crisis before we can truly tackle homelssness.

Janice's family talks about how they felt and coped with her mental illness.

Jul 24th, 2017

Janice sits down with her sister-in-law Jodi Arnoldi to talk about how her family coped when she was severely ill. This is the first time she's talked to her family about their experience, even though she's spoken opening about living with liv

The Impact on Family and Friends of a Loved One Living with Mental Illness.

Jun 26th, 2017

Janice talks to Gord McPherson about the impact on family and friends of a person living with mental illness. They explore coping skills for caregivers and how family and friends can advocate for their loved one.

Janice's Story - Part 2

Jun 9th, 2017

In Part Two Janice talks with Ruth Unrau (Co-Host of the Practical Feminist) about why Our Minds Matter Podcast is important to her. She shares her story about living with mental illness, what happened and where she is today.